MIAMI (AP) — Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava cruised to victory Tuesday, avoiding a potential runoff with nearly 60% of the vote.
Democrat Levine Cava became the first female mayor of Florida’s most populous county in 2020. She defeated six challengers Tuesday, including the mayors of Miami Lakes and Surfside.
“I am ready and I promise to continue the work that needs to be done,” Levine Cava said in a statement. “We are doubling down on our housing challenge, investing in our infrastructure to be ready for the future, prioritizing healthy and safe communities and ensuring we are a sustainable community that preserves and protects our environment.”
A second round between the top two candidates would have been required if Levin Cava had received less than 50 percent of the vote.
Before becoming mayor, Levine Cava was a Miami-Dade County commissioner and held various social and legal positions. He gained national attention as mayor in response to the June 2021 collapse of the Champlain Towers apartment building in Surfside, which killed 98 people.